It takes more than 15,000 tons of snow and 5,000 tons of ice to build Canada’s Ice Hotel (Quebec). The Swedish ICE HOTEL in Lapland requires a colossal 30,000 tons of snow and 10,000 tons of ice. Every year both need to be completely rebuilt. An exercise in stupidity or a constantly evolving masterpiece?

Ice Hotel Quebec

More beautiful than a scene from the “Tales of Narnia,” Canada’s Ice Hotel first opened its doors in 2000, and more than 80,000 people have slept there since then – though curious gawkers come by the hundreds of thousands.

If you’re brave enough to stay the night, expect dinner and breakfast at nearby Hotel Valcartier (where you can also have a “Warm Night” experience), access to the nordic-style hot tubs and sauna, an arctic sleeping bag, blanket and pillow. You can choose between a room with a fireplace or one without, but you can’t have a door – curtains provide privacy. Room rates start at $300US per person per night.